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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Jemison City Council approved its plan for using American Rescue Plan federal funding during a special called meeting on Aug. 10.

The motion gives Mayor Eddie Reed the authority to begin spending the funds for moving forward on addressing sewer issues in South Ridge subdivision, improving water service on the north end of the city and a one-time payment to essential employees.

Jemison will receive $634,552 in this round of funding. City Administrator Shannon Welch said the city will also be receiving another round of funding, which could be used to complete the water project on the north end of town.

During a work session prior to the meeting, the council discussed options that could be used to provide sewer service to South Ridge subdivision.

Council member Rex Bittle spoke of the great need in the subdivision and asked that the council pursue a solution.

Welch said several details of the system would have to come back to the council for approval, such as who pays to maintain it, etc.

“There are a lot of other things that we need to do on the front end before we get to a point where we can go to the citizens and say this is what we can offer,” Welch said.

He suggested that a public information campaign on what the city could offer would be beneficial to residents who could tie in to the system.

Welch said the next step would likely be to contract with Chilton Contractors for the project.

Securing easements may also be required to make the service available to the largest number of homes.

On the water project, Mayor Eddie Reed explained that the water pressure for part of the north end of the city was inadequate because the pipe was too small for the number of homes that it serves.

Welch said the city is required to provide a certain water pressure, so the issue has to be addressed.